And the understanding is he is taking calls from teams looking for pitching and, perhaps, a utility fielder who can play first, second and the corner outfields. Someone like Steve Pearce, who is playing first base tonight against the visiting Yankees because ...

... Logan Morrison was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm strain. The injury forced him out of the starting lineup in the Rays last eight games. Manager Kevin Cash said it's the same injury. The team hoped the cortisone shot Morrison received last week in Oakland would do the trick, but it did not.

The Rays also placed OF Oswaldo Arcia on the 15-day DL with a right forearm strain suffered when swinging at a pitch in Wednesday's game.

As expected, the Rays recalled RHP Brad Boxberger from the DL. Boxberger missed the first 49 games of the season after having adductor surgery in spring training. He returned May 31 at Kansas City, threw 17 pitches and was back on the DL with an oblique strain that forced him to miss 50 games.

When asked if he was ready to return to his closer role, Boxberger said he first needed to show the team he is healthy.

The Rays recalled UTL Nick Franklin.

Cash said Pearce, Tim Beckham and Franklin will fill in at first base while Morrison is on the shelf. It will be Beckham and Franklin if Pearce is traded by Monday's deadline.

As for tonight, Jake Odorizzi starts for the Rays against Ivan Nova for the Yankees in a matchup of pitchers who are both rumored to be on the move.

There could be all sorts of trade news this weekend at the Trop since the Yankees are thought to be sellers, too.

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